Are Nickies and JE pistons worth the $$? Options

[rwilner]

Just wondering what the thoughts are here on Nickies and JE pistons vs. boring out stock 1.7 barrels and using KB pistons.

The Nickies approach adds at LEAST $2k to the build. What's the real-world benefit...horsepower? Longevity? Does anyone here have experience with both they can share?

The application here is 96mm, so this is not going to be some overbored insanity engine...a fun street car that will see a few AX / DE events, not a purpose-built track car.

(Reading on the 356 forums guys love them, but the 356 engine is a different animal and some of those guys have cars that cost $100k so an extra $2k in the engine is easier to justify.)

thanks
Rich

[ape914]

My J E pistons and 2 liter bored out cylinders in my 2056 motor work nicely and cost was resonable. Talking with an experienced engine builder, he likes the JE pistons and the KB ones, but if price is an issue he can get AA pistons, the problem he has is he has to send some of them back every now and then as they dont always measure right. Once he measures them, he can select the best sizes, and build a resonably economical motor, and with the measurements checked, he finds the AA pistons can last just fine. the trick to AA is sort out any out of specification ones before the build. I believe the builder uses different piston rings.

The builder does not have that problem of out of measurement pistons from KB or JE.

My JE had a slipper skirt and some ceramic coating on them, very high tech.

However if economy of the build is an issue, AA can be used, You just have to be willing to wait for a return if you find any out of measurement.

So figure the cost and budget, if cheaper pistons fit the bill, then more money saved for suspension or other car work. Just besure to check the measurements on any piston you install. Dont bore the cylinders until you have the pistons you will use in hand